Dear Neighbors,
The legislature convened on Monday for the start of another special session to address a handful of issues that remain unresolved following June’s special session and to vote on extending Governor Walz’s emergency powers.
Once again, as I have done on numerous occasions, I voted to end Governor Walz’s emergency powers and for a return to regular legislative order. To be clear, ending the peacetime emergency does not mean that we are ending Minnesota’s response to COVID-19. Instead, ending the emergency would require Governor Walz to come to the legislature for approval before imposing executive orders.
Sadly, House Democrats were unwilling to put up the votes needed to end the peacetime emergency.
Other issues that will likely be addressed during the special session include a bonding bill, police reforms, and other things to assist in the state’s response to COVID-19.
Because of a 60-day, post-session rule, this will be my last legislative update for the next few months. I certainly expect to restart this when I can, but for now, I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to communicate directly with you. I’m extremely grateful to all that have contacted me to share opinions, ideas, and suggestions. It’s helped me be a better voice for our area. Thank you.
2020 Census
I encourage folks that haven’t completed the 2020 Census to take time to do so as soon as possible.
Click here to learn more: https://2020census.gov/en.html
Staying in Touch
Even though I will no longer be able to send you email newsletters until November, I encourage you to “like” my official Facebook page for an easy way to stay connected. Click here to visit that page: https://bit.ly/2OjPZ03.
I encourage you to continue to reach out to me to share your thoughts and concerns. I can be reached by phone at 701-361-1909 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Jeff